These are the two sides of storytelling. In documentary work someone, or a collection of someones, tells a story and often also talk about their conclusions from the outside looking in – the viewer is left to piece together the whole picture from these snippets. In narrative work the story is entirely told and illustrated within the film, but the viewer has to draw their own conclusions from what has been physically been shown to them.

I know it’s a simplistic way of thinking, and doesn’t allow for pieces like dance and performance, but really it is essentially that basic.

In production terms narrative is about pulling out the best talent performances and matching these to perfectly shot footage, just the right selections and immaculate timing in the edit, a great soundtrack and colorist work that elevates the entire production to another level. The nature of this narrative process is that it takes many hands, each taking just one part of the equation to get the best possible outcome.

At CLAi we can provide many of these roles and the equipment that goes with each specialization – while we can DP and direct these projects that is rarely where our talents have the greatest impact in narrative work. We bring the big guns to bear in the pre-production, editing, color grading, DIT and post-management areas where our attention to detail and dedication to the highest quality and perfect execution are best suited.

Documentary production is… well, let’s just say that’s another story altogether!

If you click on the link it will take you to the video and a fuller explanation of all of this good stuff.